Locking bollard cap assembly, systems and methods for locking bollards

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to impact protection. This present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for use in front of sidewalks, doorways, electrical equipment with doors opening into an impact zone, or other locations in which it is desirable to create a barrier or perimeter. More specifically, the present invention relates to a removable bollard that is capable of being easily inserted into place to create a barrier and then removed when desired. While in place the bollard prevents impact with the impact zone and is locked in place to prevent tampering. The bollard is optionally removable by the operator to then allow for entry and egress into the impact zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/356,900, filed Jun. 29, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to impact protection. More specifically, this present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for use in front of sidewalks, doorways, electrical equipment with doors opening into an impact zone, or other locations in which it is desirable to create a barrier or perimeter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bollards are utilized in a variety of different locations often to create a protective barrier from vehicle intrusion, or to create an architectural perimeter. Conventional bollards come in a variety shapes and styles depending upon the application. In the case of bollards for use for impact protection in commercial areas, it is typically required that the bollard be set in concrete. Such bollards typically include both permanent and removable bollards. Permanent bollards of the prior art typically are made from a galvanized steel tube, and are typically set into concrete at a depth of three feet. In applications in which it is desirable to utilize a removable bollard, a sleeve (typically made of metal) is set within the concrete and the bollard is inserted in and out of the sleeve. In conventional removable bollard systems, the sleeves are typically set at a depth of roughly 18 inches. This more limited depth reduces the structural integrity and impact strength of the bollard system. In addition, it is often desirable to lock removable bollards within the sleeve so that they cannot be removed without authorization. Typical locking mechanisms utilize a combination lock that locks a hole flap that is hingedly connected to the sleeve to a shackle located on the bollard just above the surface of the concrete in which the sleeve and bollard are set. The extra expense and risk of malfunction of the hole flap are unnecessary for many bollard applications, such as for use in connection with charging stations located on a dispenser pad. Moreover, the metal sleeves or bases of the prior art tend to rust prematurely when placed in concrete. In addition, the removable/locking bollards of the prior art typically are special order, and all components of the assembly, including the full-length bollard itself, must be shipped. This results in significant lead time requirements as well as high shipping costs.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide devices, systems and method for removable and/or locking bollards that overcome some or all of the disadvantages of the removable/locking bollards of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides a locking bollard cap, as well as systems and method for locking bollards in place. The locking bollard cap of embodiments of the present invention includes a cap hook that removably engages with a bollard cap. The bollard cap fits over a standard bollard tube and is connected, via the cap hook, to a cable that anchored into the ground below a bollard base sleeve that is set in concrete. The cap hook is locked into engagement with the bollard cap utilizing a standard combination lock at the top of the cap. The bollard and cap are concealed under a bollard slipcover (also sometimes referred to as a protective or cover sleeve). As such, it is not apparent to passersby that the bollard is in fact removable.

In various embodiments, the present invention allows for the use of standard steel bollards, plastic bollard covers, cables, locks, and/or sleeves. As such, the shipping costs and lead times for special components required for utilizing a removable/locking bollard are capable of being reduced significantly, as the cap assembly in some embodiments is the only special order component.

In some embodiments, the sleeve that is set in concrete is made of a PVC or other plastic material. Such materials reduce the rust that results with a base sleeve or bollard is set directly within concrete.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth herein and is shown in the drawings/exhibits.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention prior to installation in the ground at a location.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the distal end of the bollard of the present invention, including the bollard cap and cap hook assembly.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the bollard cap and cap hook of the present invention in a locked configuration.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention installed in the ground.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention installed in the ground, with the slipcover placed over the full bollard assembly.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the sleeve of the present invention installed in the ground, with the bollard having been removed.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the sleeve and cable assembly of the present invention installed in the ground, with the bollard having been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides a locking bollard assembly, as well as systems and method for locking bollards in place. As seen in FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a bollard 170 with a sleeve 180 around its proximal end (or “base”). A cable 130 attached to a cable stopper 134 at one end is disposed in the interior of the bollard 170. The cable stopper 134 interacts with the base of the sleeve 180 to prevent the cable 130 from moving. The cable 130 is attached to a cap hook 120 at the other end. The cap hook 120 is then inserted into the bollard cap 110. The bollard cap 110 is interested into the distal end of the bollard 170, with the cable 130 being sized to be drawn taut in this configuration to hold the bollard 170 in place. The cap hook 120 is then locked into place by the lock 150 to prevent tampering. A slipcover 190 is placed over the bollard 170 to conceal the rest of the assembly. The entire assembly is configured to be installed in the ground at fixed location. Removing the slipcover 190 and the lock 150, allows for easy removal of the bollard 170 from the installation site.

In some embodiments, the bollard 170 consists of steel. In some embodiments, the bollard 170 is a cut steel pipe. In some embodiments, the bollard 170 consists of Schedule 40 Steel. In some embodiments, the bollard 170 is largely hollow. In some embodiments, the bollard 170 has a lip on its proximal end to prevent the sleeve 180 from sliding off the proximal end. In this embodiment, the sleeve 180 is slid over the distal end of the bollard 170 down to the proximal end of the bollard 170, stopping at the lip.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 consists of polyvinyl chloride or vinyl (PVC). In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 is a cut PVC pipe. In some embodiments, the sleeve consists of Schedule 80 PVC. In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 consists of high-density polyethylene sheets (HDPE). In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 consists of a metal. In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 consists of steel. In an exemplary embedment, the diameter of the sleeve is 5 inches and the length is 40 inches.

In some embodiments, the cable 130 is a steel cable. In some embodiments, the cable is a 2,100 lbs cable. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is connected at its proximal end to a cable stopper 134. In some embodiments this connection is done with a cable clamp 132. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cable 130 is attached to a preexisting foundation, such an existing concrete foundation rebar frame. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cable 130 is connected to a cap hook 120. In some embodiments, this connection is done with a cable clamp 132. In some embodiments, the cable clamps 132 are hex clamps.

In some embodiments, in lieu of a cable clamp 132, the cable 130 is tied around the cable stopper 134 at its proximal end and/or tied around the cap hook 120 at its distal end. In some embodiments, the cable stopper 134 includes an elongated piece of material with a length longer than the radius of the bollard 170. In some such embodiments, it is longer than the radius of the sleeve 180. In some embodiments, the cable stopper 134 is approximately 6 inches long. In some embodiments, the cable stopper 134 consists of rebar. In some embodiments, this is an approximately 6 inch long piece of rebar. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is attached to an existing structure in addition to or instead of the cable stopper 134. In some embodiments, the cable stopper 134 is attached to an existing structure.

In some embodiments, the cap hook 120 consists of steel. In some embodiments, the cap hook 120 has two opposed holes. In some embodiments, the cap hook has wings tips. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 .

As seen in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the base of the sleeve 180 and bollard 170 are inserted into the ground at an installation site. As seen in FIG. 4 , the proximal end of the sleeve 180 is inserted into the ground first and is the portion of the sleeve furthest below ground. The distal end of the sleeve 180 is then flush with the ground itself so that the entire sleeve 180 is below ground. The sleeve 180 is fixed in place in the ground. In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 is fixed in place with concrete. In some embodiments the sleeve 180 is fixed in place with the surrounding dirt. It will be appreciated that the sleeve 180 is fixed in place with other methods in different embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments. the cable 130 is also fixed in place at the installation site. In some embodiments, the cable stopper 134 is still fixed below the sleeve 180 and this is buried below the proximal end of the sleeve 180 and therefore fixed in place. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is fixed to the preexisting structure below the sleeve 180. In some embodiments, this is a hook in the bottom of the hole in which the sleeve is buried. The cable 130 is attached to this hook. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments there are other structures present to which the cable 130 is attached.

The cable 130 is attached to the cable stopper 134 at the proximal end and then passes through the center of the bollard 170, wherein the bollard 170 is placed within the sleeve 180. In one embodiment, the cable 130 length is adjusted so that when pulled taut the wings of the cap hook 120 are flush with the distal end of the bollard 170. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is attached to the cap hook 120 with a cable clamp 134. In these embodiments, the cable clamp 134 is used to adjust the length of the cable 130. It will be appreciated that cap hooks 120 of other shapes are usable. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is adjusted so that when puled taut the cap hook 120 is partially below and partially above the distal end of the bollard 170.

The top portion of the cap hook 120—i.e. the portion above the distal end of the bollard 170—is threaded through the slot in the bollard cap 110. In some embodiments, the pull string 160 is used to pull the portion of the bollard cap 120 through the slot of the bollard cap 110. The bollard cap 110 is the inserted into the distal end of the bollard 170.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the lock 150 is inserted through the portion of the cap hook 120 protruding through the bollard cap 110. Thus, the lock 150 secures the bollard cap and cap hook in place. The adjusted, taught cable 130 is fixed to the cable stopper 134, which is in turn fixed in place below the sleeve 180. Therefore, the bollard 170 is held upright in place.

In some embodiments, the lock 150 is a combo lock. In some embodiments, the lock 150 is a 4-digit combo lock. In some embodiments, the lock 150 is a pad lock with key. It will be appreciated that other locks are used in various embodiments. The lock 150 prevents tampering with the bollard 170. The bollard 170 cannot be removed while the lock 150 is in place.

In some embodiments, the bollard cap 110 has a slot to receive one end of the cap hook 120. In some embodiments, the bollard cap 110 is made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the bollard cap 110 is made of steel. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the bollard cap 110 is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the bollard 170, thus it is flush with the bollard 170 once inserted. In some embodiments, the bollard cap 110 is permanently fixed to the bollard 170 by welding or other known means.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a slipcover 190 is placed over the protruding portion of the bollard 170. The slipcover 190 therefore covers the otherwise visible bollard 170, bollard cap 110, cap hook 120, and lock 150. In some embodiments, the slipcover 190 consists of plastic. In some embodiments, the slipcover 190 consists of metal or another material. In some embodiments, the slipcover includes reflective tape or material.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for installing the bollard assembly includes first cutting the sleeve 180 to fit the bollard 170. Once cut, the sleeve 180 is fitted over the base of the bollard 170. Next, the proximal end of the cable 130 is attached to a cable stopper 134. In some embodiments, a cable clamp 132 is used. The distal end of the cable 130 is then pulled through the center of the bollard 170 such that the cable stopper 134 prevents the cable from passing all the way through. The cable stopper 134 impacts the base of the sleeve 180 and prevents further movement of the cable 130. The cable 130 is such a length that the distal end of the cable 130 is able to be fully pulled through the bollard 170. Therefore, a portion of the cable 130 extends beyond the distal end of the bollard 170 when the cable stopper 134 impacts the base of the bollard 170. In some embodiments, the cable is cut so that there is not a excessive amount of cable clearance. Next this distal end of the cable is attached to the cap hook 120. In some embodiments, a cable clamp 132 is used. This assembly will then be moved to the installation site.

Optionally, a pull string 160 is then be tied to the end of the cap hook 120. The pull string 160 is used to later pull the cap hook 120 and cable 130 through the bollard 170 and into the bollard cap 110 upon installation. In some embodiments, the pull string 160 is a nylon pull string. In some embodiments, the pull string 160 is 10 feet long.

Next, a hole is dug at the spot of installation. It will be appreciated that any method of digging a sufficiently large enough hole is suitable. The assembled bollard 170 plus sleeve 180 with the cable 130 inside is then inserted into the hole. The proximal end (or “base”) of the bollard plus sleeve assembly is inserted into the hole. In some embodiments, the distal end of the sleeve 180 is flush with the top of the hole. Thus, in these embodiments, the sleeve 170 is not visible above ground once the hole is filled in. In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 is first left a few inches above ground before the hole is filled. Then, after filling, the excess sleeve 180 is cut off so that the sleeve 180 is flush with the ground.

As described herein, the cable 130 remains disposed inside the bollard 170. Once the base of the bollard and sleeve structure have been placed into the ground upright, the cable stopper 134 should be below the base of the bollard 170 and the sleeve 180 underground. As described herein, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the cable 130 is attached to a preexisting structure in addition to or in lieu of the bollard stopper 134. In some embodiments, this preexisting structure includes the structure of the hole. In one embodiment, a hook is buried in the bottom of the hole to which the cable 130 is attached. It will be appreciated that some embodiments include various other structures to which the cable 130 is attached. Once the base is installed in the ground, the distal end of the cable 130 and the cap hook 120 extend past the distal end of the bollard 170. In other words, the cable and cap hook extend out the top of the now upright bollard.

Once the base of the bollard 170 and sleeve 180 is inserted into the ground, the hole is filled in. In some embodiments, concrete is poured into the hole to fill it in and secure the sleeve 180 in place. In some embodiments, dirt is used. It will be appreciated that other methods for filling the hole are usable to fix the sleeve 180 in the ground.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 180 is fixed to the ground. As explained herein, the bollard 170 is removed through certain methods while the sleeve 180 remains fixed. The cable stopper 134 also remains fixed below the sleeve 180 therefore keeping the cable 130 and cap hook 120 anchored to the ground as well.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cable 130 length is adjusted to that when pulled taut the wings of the cap hook 120 are flush with the distal end of the bollard 170. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is attached to the cap hook 120 with a cable clamp 134. In these embodiments, the cable clamp 134 is used to adjust the length of the cable 130. It will be appreciated that cap hooks 120 of other shapes are usable. In some embodiments, the cable 130 is adjusted so that when pulled taut the cap hook 120 is partially below and partially above the distal end of the bollard 170.

Next the top of the cap hook 120—i.e. the portion above the distal end of the bollard 170—is threaded through the slot in the bollard cap 110. In some embodiments, the pull string 160 is used to pull the portion of the bollard cap 120 through the slot of the bollard cap 110. The bollard cap 110 is the inserted into the distal end of the bollard 170. In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the bollard cap 110 is approximately equal to the cross sectional area of the bollard 170, thus it is flush with the bollard 170 once inserted.

The lock 150 is inserted through the portion of the cap hook 120 protruding through the bollard cap 110. Thus, the lock 150 secures the bollard cap and cap hook in place. The cable 130, having been pulled taut, is fixed to the cable stopper 134, which is in turn fixed in place below the sleeve 180. Therefore, the bollard 170 is held upright in place by the cable 130. Finally, a slipcover 190 is placed over the assembly, covering the protruding bollard 170, the bollard cap 110, the cap hook 120, the lock 150, and any other exposed portion of the assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bollard 170 is easily removed. First, the slipcover 190 is removed. Next, the lock 150 is removed. The bollard 170 with bollard cap 110 is now lifted straight out of the sleeve 180. As seen in FIG. 6 , the sleeve 180 remains fixed in the ground and remains flush with the ground. The cable 130 remains anchored to the sleeve 180 and ground via the cable stopper 134, which is fixed below the sleeve 180. The cable 130 and cap hook 120 are optionally placed inside the sleeve 180. In some embodiments, the pull string 160 is also be placed inside the sleeve 180. As seen in FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the pull string 160 is left partially outside the sleeve 180 to be used to grab a hold of for easier reinsertion of the bollard 170 at a later time.

Finally, the slipcover 190, the lock 150, and the bollard 170 with bollard cap 110 is removed from the location and stored. The remaining sleeve 180, being hollow, leaves a visible hole in the ground. In some embodiments, the sleeve 180 is covered thereby hiding the sleeve 180 and the hole. In some embodiments, the bollard cap is removed from the bollard 170 and inserted into the sleeve 180 to perform as such a cover. In some embodiments, the cable 130 and cap hook 120 are placed inside the sleeve 180 to be concealed when the sleeve 180 is covered, thereby hiding the entire remaining assembly from view.

In this manner, the bollard is easily inserted and removed from the site as needed. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 180, the cable stopper 134, the cable 130, and the cap hook 120 remain fixed at the installation site. When the bollard 170 is not inserted these aforementioned items are hidden below ground. The bollard 170 with bollard cap 110 and slipcover 190 is capable of being stored offsite. For reinsertion, the bollard 170 is capable of being placed back into the sleeve 180. The cap hook 120 is then threaded back through the cable stopper 134 and locked back into place by lock 150. Then the slipcover 190 is placed over top once more. This procedure is repeated as needed to create a barrier to prevent access to an impact zone. Or, upon removal, to open up access to that zone.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bollard assembly comprising: an elongated bollard including a hollow center, a proximal end, and a distal end; a sleeve placed over said proximal end of said bollard; a cable including a proximal end and a distal end; a cable stopper connected to said proximal end of said cable; a cap hook connected to said distal end of said cable; a bollard cap connected to the distal end of said bollard, said bollard cap including a slot, wherein said slot is configured to receive said cap hook; and a lock; wherein said cable is disposed within said bollard such that said cable stopper is in communication with the proximal end of said sleeve; and wherein said cap hook is configured to insert into said slot of said bollard cap and secured in place with said lock.
 2. The bollard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a slipcover placed over the distal end of said bollard.
 3. The bollard assembly of claim 1, wherein said cable stopper is connected to said proximal end of said cable with a cable clamp.
 4. The bollard assembly of claim 3, wherein said cable clamp is a hex clamp.
 5. The bollard assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap hook is connected to said distal end of said cable with a cable clamp.
 6. The bollard assembly of claim 5, wherein said cable clamp is a hex clamp.
 7. The bollard assembly of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is configured to be fixed in the ground.
 8. The bollard assembly of claim 7, wherein said sleeve is configured to be fixed in the ground with concrete.
 9. The bollard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pull string connected to said cap hook.
 10. The bollard assembly of claim 2, further comprising a pull string connected to said cap hook.
 11. A method for installing a bollard assembly, the method comprising: placing a sleeve over the proximal end of an elongated bollard, wherein said bollard includes a hollow center; attaching the proximal end of a cable to a cable stopper and the distal end of said cable to a cap hook; pulling the distal end of said cable through the center of said bollard so that said cable stopper impacts the proximal end of the sleeve once the sleeve has been placed over the bollard to thereby prevent further movement of the cable through the center of said bollard; inserting said cap hook into the slot of a bollard cap; placing said bollard cap on the distal end of said bollard; and adjusting said cable so that when pulled taut said cap hook still protrudes through said slot above said bollard cap.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of locking said cap hook in place above said bollard cap.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of securing said sleeve in the ground.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of securing said sleeve in the ground.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of placing a slipcover over the distal end of said bollard.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of attaching a pull string to said cap hook.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein said cable is attached to said cable stopper and said cap hook using cable clamps.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein said sleeve is secured in the ground with concrete.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: removing the slipcover from the distal end of said bollard; unlocking said cap hook; and removing said bollard from said sleeve.
 20. A method for installing a bollard assembly, the method comprising: attaching the proximal end of a cable to a cable stopper and the distal end of said cable to a cap hook; placing a sleeve over the proximal end of an elongated bollard, wherein said bollard includes a hollow center; pulling the distal end of said cable through the center of said bollard so that said cable stopper impacts the proximal end of the sleeve thereby prevent further movement of the cable through the center said bollard; inserting said cap hook into the slot of a bollard cap; placing said bollard cap on the distal end of said bollard; and adjusting said cable so that when pulled taut said cap hook still protrudes through said slot above said bollard cap. 